Further Thought: Does Ephesians 1:3-14 teach that God predetermines the futures of human beings, predestining some to everlasting life and others to everlasting death? Many people, unfortunately, believe this. Consider, however, these ideas: In the passage, the role of Christ is determinative, since the divine choice to adopt us occurs “through Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 1:5, ESV) or “in him” (Ephesians … Continue reading –>
In Ephesians 1:13-14, Paul tells in brief the conversion story of his readers. What are the steps in that story? In exploring the importance of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers, Paul uses two images or metaphors for the Spirit. He first pictures the Holy Spirit as a “seal,” identifying a sealing presence of the … Continue reading –>
When I first became a Bible Worker I began studying with a young woman who went to a Methodist AME Church. She invited me to her church one Sunday so I could hear her sing in the choir. After the choir sang, a lady guest speaker stood up to preach and to this day, that … Continue reading –>
“In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory” (Ephesians 1:11-12, NKJV). The believers in Ephesus seem to have lost a clear sense of … Continue reading –>
What is God’s “plan for the fullness of time,” and how extensive is its reach? Ephesians 1:9-10. Paul uses three labels for God’s plan. It is (1) “the mystery of his will,”(2) “his purpose,” and (3) “a plan for the fullness of time” (ESV). What is God’s ultimate, final plan? To unite everything, everywhere, in Jesus. The … Continue reading –>
A while back a lady went into the hospital for a few days. While she was there, a local elder, and deacon came to visit her. However she was released from the hospital before the Senior or Associate pastors of the church could come see her. After her release, she mentioned to me that none … Continue reading –>
The book of Ephesians does show us “How to Follow Jesus in Trying Times”: Hymn 623 – I Will Follow Thee, My Saviour so that our actions will always speak louder than our words. Sabbath afternoon’s introduction to our week of study explains the beginning of the “letter to the Ephesians with a majestic thank-you note, … Continue reading –>
Key Thought: Paul’s opening makes Ephesians especially valuable in modeling how to worship God and praise Him for the many blessings He has provided. July 8, 2023 1. Have a volunteer read Ephesians 1:7,8. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage. What does redemption … Continue reading –>
Lesson 2 *July 1-7 God’s Grand, Christ-centered Plan SABBATH AFTERNOON Read for This Week’s Study: Ephesians 1:3-14 ; Ephesians 2:6 ; Ephesians 3:10 ; Colossians 1:13-14 ; Deuteronomy 9:29 . Memory Text: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the … Continue reading –>
Sin had been a dark, dominating force in the lives of Paul’s audience. Paul can describe them in their prior existence as the walking dead — “dead in trespasses and sins” (Ephesians 2:1, NKJV) yet “walking” or living as Satan commanded them (Ephesians 2:1-3). Enslaved to sin and Satan, they had no ability to free themselves. They needed … Continue reading –>
